Safe holidays! Use 911 in the Philippines to report crimes, emergencies
MANILA, Philippines – While the Yuletide season is a period for celebration, it’s also a time when petty crimes may spike.
The Philippine National Police (PNP), however, assured the public its 911 hotline has been upgraded to better respond to emergencies.
PNP Office of Communications and Electronics Services (CES) Director Police Brigadier General Warren Gaspar Tolito said its new call handling system is the same as the technology used in the United States and Europe.
This improved system allows police officers to respond to calls within three to five minutes, the PNP added.
To use the hotline, take note of the following details:
- Dial 911 on your cellphone or landline phone.
- Press 1.
- Keep calm, and tell the 911 agent your name and your location.
- Provide as many details as possible, such as specific area of the property, how to access it, and the number of people affected.
The PNP said its technology can determine the exact location of the caller, enabling police officers to deploy first responders within seconds.
“We answer almost all of our calls within 1 minute and will be ready to respond and ensure that your holidays are safe and enjoyable,” Tolito guaranteed in a press release on Friday, December 20.
The PNP also issued the following reminders:
- Make sure that your homes are locked before leaving.
- Keep the lights on at night, and even during daytime, to discourage robbers from entering your homes.
- Be careful when answering the door.
“This is the time when accidents from drunk driving usually occur, fires break out due to neglected appliances or Christmas lights, people suffer medical emergencies due to overindulgence or fireworks. Thefts and break-ins also happen, especially when the property is unoccupied,” Tolito added. – Dwight de Leon/Rappler.com